Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has called for developing a comprehensive and sustainable value chain to transform aquaculture and shrimp farming into an export-oriented industry, aimed at boosting foreign exchange earnings.
Chairing the first meeting of the Prime Minister’s Subcommittee on Aquaculture and Shrimp Value Chain, he said coordinated efforts were needed to increase production, improve quality and strengthen Pakistan’s competitiveness in international markets.
The minister said the subcommittee would work towards establishing an integrated system covering shrimp production, processing, quality testing and access to international markets.
Pakistan’s seafood exports reached a record $568 million in the financial year 2025-26, including $62 million from shrimp, Junaid Chaudhry said. Seafood exports also rose to $125.4 million in the first quarter of the current financial year, he added.
He noted that a substantial share of Pakistan’s seafood exports still came from wild-caught marine resources, underscoring the need to develop shrimp farming as an organised and sustainable source of production.
Junaid Chaudhry emphasised the need to ensure the availability of quality seed, hatcheries, standardised feed and effective disease-control systems to support sustainable production.
He called for measures to promote domestic production of shrimp feed and seed to reduce reliance on imports, while suggesting that appropriate concessions on duties and taxes be considered to encourage investment.
He also stressed the need for competitive electricity tariffs and greater use of solar and hybrid energy systems to ensure affordable and uninterrupted power supplies for shrimp farms.
To expand access to major markets, including the United States, China and the European Union, Pakistan would need to comply with international standards for food safety, biosecurity, cold-chain management, processing and traceability, he said.
The minister said Pakistan had considerable potential to expand aquaculture and shrimp farming by utilising the country’s diverse natural resources, including its coastal areas, suitable land and water resources.
He stressed the need for reliable and uniform data on available resources, production capacity and farming practices to support effective planning and informed decision-making.
He added that strong implementation mechanisms, coordinated efforts among relevant departments and the adoption of modern, sustainable farming practices were essential to increase production, improve quality and develop a competitive, export-oriented industry.
“The purpose of the meeting is not merely to put forward proposals but to take concrete decisions and set clear targets and workable timelines,” Junaid Chaudhry said.
He said the objective was to establish Pakistan as a sustainable shrimp farming hub capable of generating export earnings and foreign exchange.
